98 AUSTRALIA, OR NEW HOLLAND. 



the whole to a level, and the action of the great sea sweeping 

 over.it has produced these strange appearances, which have 

 earned for Australia its curious title the Land of Anomalies. 

 The researches of travelers in the interior will at no distant 

 day, lay it open to examination ; and when the great doubt is 

 removed, science will explain with accuracy phenomena at the 

 present day so perplexing. 



Eighty years ago the adventurous voyager, Captain Cook, 

 sailed along the eastern coast of Australia, and there, in 

 latitude 33 south, discovered a commodious inlet. Near the 

 water's edge he saw many curious flowers blooming wild, and 

 from them named the place Botany Bay. The account of his 

 visit was circulated in England, and, sixteen years later, it 

 was resolved to establish a colony in some part of the unknown 

 southern land. Botany Bay was thought of. In 1787, the 

 " Sirius " and the " Supply," with six transports and three 

 store-ships, sailed with the germs of a new colony on board. 

 Besides the crews and 166 marines, there were 757 convicts 

 565 men and 192 women. Stores and provisions for two 

 years were taken, besides agricultural implements and tools, 

 with all the necessaries for the foundation of a permanent set- 

 tlement. Captain Philip, the appointed governor, took com- 

 mand of the squadron, and sailed first to the Cape of Good 

 Hope, then belonging to the Dutch, where live stock and 

 seeds were procured. At Rio Janeiro more stores were taken 

 in, and the expedition steered direct for the new land. Con- 

 tinuing their course, they reached Australia after a voyage of 

 eight months and one week. Botany Bay appeared to pro- 

 mise little ; water seemed scarce, and an aspect of aridity on 

 the surrounding land decided them to go elsewhere in search 

 of a place of rest. The fleet, therefore, weighed anchor; 

 and, as they left the bay, two French ships, under La 



